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Picketa Support

Pre-field checklist

Run through this short list before you leave for the field — it prevents most in-field issues.

Before every scanning trip:

  1. Laptop and unit charged. Check battery levels. Bring the power adapter if in-field power is available.
  2. All cables connected, probe on. Fiber optic cable (Part C) hand-tightened at the probe (Part A). Probe power source (Part B) connected to the probe handle and plugged into a power outlet. Switch on — the switch is on the probe handle (Part A) on newer units, or on the probe power source (Part B) on older units. Light visible at the probe tip.
  3. Calibration complete and green. Probe seated in the white calibration cap. Optimize step done. WR and VS indicators both green.
  4. Fieldbook cropyear and pins ready. New season or new field? Finish setup in Fieldbook before you arrive. Sampling pins in place and clearly named.
  5. Correct Farm / Field / Location selected in the app. All three dropdowns must match the field you're scanning. Scans are permanently tagged at scan time.
  6. Scanning surface clean. Quick wipe with a lint-free cloth before the first scan of the day, and between fields.
  7. Leaf samples in paper bags. Use paper bags, not plastic. Store overnight in the fridge. If you have to use plastic, add a paper towel to absorb moisture.
  8. Phone hotspot available. If the site has no stable Wi-Fi, have your hotspot ready, or plan to work offline and upload later from a stable connection.